And suddenly there was
with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host
praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13-14
Whole Family Devotion
“Peace.” Do you see that word in today's angelic proclamation? “On earth … peace!” Before I really started paying attention to scripture, I wondered: if Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why isn't there true peace on earth?
Did you ever ponder that? Why are there still wars? Why is there still violence between friends and neighbors … and even in some families?
Well, if we're looking for peace down on earth, we’re looking in the wrong direction. Too many people seek power; therefore, there has proven to continually be wars and abuse. (And it’s occurred both before and after the birth of Jesus.) Because of sin, there is no peace. (Now, we certainly do better if we follow Jesus' principles, loving neighbors -- and enemies -- forgiving seventy times seven times, etc. Nevertheless, because of sin, there will never be perfect peace between all individuals.)
So what is the correct direction to look in life?
Upward.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace because he came to create peace for us with God. We are sinful. God is holy. We cannot approach an utterly holy God on our own merits; therefore, starting with Christmas and culminating in the cross, Christ came to pay our debts and purchase our freedom. And this is God's "goodwill toward men."
And this is why the angels were singing: The Son of God was coming to defeat death.
In Christ's Love,
a guy who's crooning
"Hark the Herald Angels' Sing"
"Glory to the newborn king.
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever wanted peace on earth and peace in families? Why?!
2. Why won't this ever happen perfectly on earth?
3. How can following Jesus help bring more peace?
4. Do you know what to do to discover your own personal peace with God? Click here: https://peacewithgod.net/
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